First Looks at Benedict Cumberbatch as Thomas Edison in ‘The Current War’

Who doesn’t like English actor Benedict Cumberbatch in period costume?

Nobody, that’s who.

His new movie features the 19th century battle between electrical development giants Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse in their attempt to build a system to deliver electric power to the American people.

Cumberbatch stars as Edison, and according to Collider, the movie will play more like a modern tech drama than a period piece. Producer Basil Iwanyk said:

“It’s the story of the race to kind of light up the eastern seaboard, specifically Manhattan, between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse. The movie isn’t played like a stodgy period drama, it feels like ‘The Social Network‘ or ‘Steve Jobs.’”

“It’s the idea of Bill Gates and Steve Jobs went toe-to-toe to create the lightbulb, and that’s what these characters were. They’re larger than life, and they’re aggressive and tough and funny and geniuses, and that’s the vibe of the movie.”

Multiple Oscar nominee Michael Shannon stars as George Westinghouse and Nicholas Hoult as Nikola Tesla. Who knew washing machines could be so exciting?

The movie is currently filming in London, and this “first look” from the movie features Cumberbatch in full 1800s regalia.